Tom Brewer is a Nonpartisan member of the Nebraska Legislature who represented the 43rd district from January 2017 to January 2025. Born on August 6, 1958, he is an Oglala Lakota American and the first Native American to serve in the Nebraska Legislature. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, Brewer grew up near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in western Nebraska. He served in the Gulf War and War in Afghanistan, where he was shot six times in an ambush near Kabul in 2003, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Notable achievements include leading efforts to make National Guard drill pay tax-free , creating a veterans court program , passing photo voter ID requirements , and supporting Native American communities, religious freedom, energy policy, and firearms laws. He chaired the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with four other senators , earned an American FFA Degree as the first Native American Nebraska FFA state officer , and led humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Graduated from Gordon High School; earned a degree in Eastern European History and Management from Doane University in 1984. Participated in FFA, excelling in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, meats judging, and welding; ran track and cross country, completing 39 marathons.

Political Experience: Enlisted in Nebraska Army National Guard ; commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant through ROTC. Commanded Afghan National Army Training Battalion , served with 10th Mountain Division and 3rd Special Forces Group, and led Task Force in Hurricane Katrina response , rescuing 604 people. Elected to Nebraska Legislature District 43 in 2016 ; reelected 2020 . Served until 2025; succeeded by Tanya Storer. Rode a mule across his 600-mile district with veterans during 2020 campaign. Serves on Agriculture Committee, advocating for farmers and ranchers.